Exclusive - Fraser writes off England's hopes in India

Angus Fraser has written off England’s hopes of winning the Second Test in India.

Alastair Cook’s side will be back in action in Mumbai on Friday, just four days after suffering a crushing nine wicket defeat in Ahmedabad, and it’s predicted there will be a number of changes to the side.

But former England fast bowler Fraser doesn’t appear to think a change in selection will affect the end result.

He told the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast: “I’m not full of optimism. There were worrying signs in the First Test, similar to those on other occasions in the sub-continent. England started slowly and gave the opportunity a strong position. They battled hard but never got it back.

“It sounds like the pitch in Mumbai will be a used one, which suggests it might turn. The last Test there was a draw, but India’s spinners took 16 wickets between them, so England will find it hard.

“They will make changes to the bowling attack, it looks like Panesar will play and they’ll have to drop a seamer, but will it be enough to change the result? I doubt it.”